Steve Jobs probably wouldn’t have liked it, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple plans to release its 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a optional stylus. In other news, production has at last started on Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs biopic, judging from the film crews outside Jobs’ boyhood home, and Apple paid homage to Martin Luther King, Jr. on its homepage today.

Rumor: Apple May Release iPad Pro with Optional Stylus

Famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities is back with another one of his predictions for Apple’s future, and this time he states that the Cupertino company will most likely release an optional stylus when (and of course, if) it releases the long-rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Steve Jobs was famously critical of using a stylus during his 2007 iPhone announcement, but Kuo seems to think it might find a better market with Apple’s supposed ginormous tablet.

Optional is the key word here, as Kuo believes it’ll drive up the cost of the tablet itself too high if it came with all purchases.

“We don’t think all users will need a stylus initially,” Kuo said in his letter to investors, according to MacRumors. “Coupled with its unfavorable cost structure, high selling prices may turn consumers off if the 12.9-inch iPad is always bundled with it. We therefore expect the stylus to be an optional accessory before sufficient user feedback is received.”

Kuo believes the iPad Pro and its associated stylus should appear sometime in the second or third quarter of this year.

Production on Steve Jobs Biopic Starts in Los Altos

After all those months of rumors and cast and director changes, the new Steve Jobs biopic has at last commenced production at Steve Jobs’ boybood home in Los Altos, California. Currently crews are just setting up, according to CNET, but the actual filming should be begin on Friday afternoon.

Specifically, the team is currently in the process of making the garage look like it might have looked back in 1976 when Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were putting together the Apple I (although Wozniak says the garage story is a bit of a myth).

The film will star Michael Fassbender in the role of Jobs, while Seth Rogen will play the part of Steve Wozniak and Jeff Daniels will portray early Apple CEO John Sculley. Kate Winslet will also star in an unknown role.

Apple Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States, and to commemorate the event, Apple has updated its homepage to feature Dr. King with a full-page memorial. The page features a photo of King delivering one of his speeches, and is accompanied by the words: “Today we reflect on the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the work that continues in service of the broader concerns of humanity.”

Earlier today, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the federal holiday on Twitter, saying “Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” with a link to Apple’s homepage. 9to5Mac reports that Apple is using the holiday to encourage its own employees to volunteer, and apparently the Cupertino company is donating “an additional for every voluntary hour worked by employees” as a part of its gift matching program.

In today’s Apple Daily, we get a look of what kinda-sorta-possibly may be some kind of mold for the rumored 12-inch “iPad Pro” as well as a look at a new hire that could mean great things for Apple’s recent ventures into enterprise. In addition, be sure to check out what Apple’s doing to express its support for the victims of the Charlie Hebdo tragedy in France.

‘Leaked’ Photo Claims to Show iPad Pro in Production

Yes, we’re not even two weeks into the new year and already new Apple “leaks” are pouring in. Today, an image from Weibo circulated that is said to depict an object used in the production of the rumored “iPad Pro.” At first glance, it looks like a mold; some other commentators, however, have speculated that it’s something used in the machining process to shape the device’s shell.

It certainly looks like it could have been made for some of Apple’s more recent products, but without any reliable references for scale, it could just as easily be an apparatus for the production of an earlier iPad. (Why, it could even be for an Android tablet.) And naturally, as with seemingly all such “leaked” photos, the image quality leaves much to be desired.

The photo follows the release of another “leaked” photo posted on NowhereElse.fr earlier this week, which is said to show stereo speakers on the side of an iPad Pro. At the very least, the photos certainly seem to align with the rumors regarding the release of the device, which tend to say we’ll see it sometime in the first half of this year.

Apple Shows Support for Charlie Hebdo on French Online Store

In an understated and classy show of support for the people who died in the attacks on the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo yesterday, Apple has updated its French online store with a banner reading “Je Suis Charlie” at the bottom.

The phrase, meaning “I Am Charlie” in French, has been used by many organizations to express support for the magazine in the wake of the tragedy. Apple’s display of support for the magazine’s freedom of expression is especially poignant right now, as the company’s retail stores are running a massive campaign focusing on works of art created with the Cupertino company’s devices.

Word circulated earlier today that Google had donated 0,000 to ensure the publication could print one million copies of next week’s issue, but the truth is a little more complex. The money is actually coming from The Digital Innovation Press Fund, and the money will come from Google through a “donation tax” via a settlement with the French government, according to The Guardian. Elsewhere, though, Google added its own “Je Suis Charlie” to its French homepage.

Apple Hires Longtime HP Exec to Help with Enterprise Initiatives

Apple is taking its new focus on enterprise markets quite seriously, it seems, to the point that the company has hired longtime Hewlett-Packard executive John Solomon to help with the project (via Re/code). Apple confirmed the hiring without specifying Solomon’s role or title, but Re/code’s sources say he’ll help the Cupertino company “boost sales to big companies and government agencies with large technology budgets.”

The site calls the hiring “significant,” and indeed, Solomon spent two decades with HP in various roles before finally settling in as a vice president overseeing the company’s printing and personal systems group. Solomon’s connections could be integral in getting Apple products into government markets.

The news comes several months after Apple’s widely publicized partnership with IBM to reach out to enterprise customers, and we’ve already seen the first “Mobile First” apps to emerge from their combined efforts. Apple’s enterprise initiatives also include a specialized form of AppleCare for business customers.

December isn’t off to a particularly great start for Apple, with news that a lucrative contract with the L.A. Unified School District is being abandoned. Find out why in our Wednesday Morning Report, along with details on a pair of new Mac products to help you write better and expand the horizons of those Thunderbolt 2 ports. It’s all just a click away!

L.A. School District Ditches iPad Contract Amid Federal Scrutiny

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that a lucrative contract with Apple to provide iPads to every student in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has come to an end now that the .3 billion deal is under investigation by the FBI. On Monday, Feds seized 20 boxes of documents from LAUSD related to the bidding process that sealed the deal between Apple and former L.A. superintendent John Deasy, who resigned in October amid accusations that the educational initiative favored the iPad maker as well as publisher Pearson.

“We’re not going to use the original iPad contract anymore,” current superintendent Ramon C. Cortines said in a statement yesterday. “I think there have been too many innuendos, rumors, etc., and based on my reading of a great deal of material over Thanksgiving, I came to this conclusion. As CEO and steward of a billion-dollar operation, I have to make sure things are done properly so they are not questioned.”

Deasy also announced a suspension of the Apple contract back in August, but never followed through. The deal would have LAUSD spending upwards of 0 million on iPad hardware and accompanying curriculum to run on the devices, plus another 0 to provide improved wireless broadband, additional staff, and other expenses. LAUSD are now eyeing Google’s Chromebooks, which would be purchased under an entirely different contract.

Realmac Software Releases Markdown Editor Typed for Mac

There are plenty of writing apps for the Mac, but how many of them offer a unique “Zen Mode” to help minimize distractions and help you focus on getting words onto virtual paper? Realmac Software announced Tuesday the release of Typed, a new solution designed for any kind of writing, with a special focus on support for Markdown, one of the most popular ways to write for the web.

The app includes a complement of keyboard shortcuts as well as full syntax highlighting that promises to help anyone become a better writer. Typed is available now from the Realmac website for a special launch price of .99 for a limited time (normally .99), with a downloadable demo also available.

Elgato Debuts New Thunderbolt 2 Dock for Mac

Thunderbolt 2 hasn’t been adopted much faster than the first iteration, but at least it’s not taking quite as long for third-party accessories to appear on the scene. The latest is Elgato’s Thunderbolt 2 Dock, which offers a pair of high-speed ports in addition to three USB 3.0 ports, one of which is conveniently located on the front alongside separate jacks for microphone and headphones. The USB ports can even be used to charge high-powered devices like the iPad which won’t work with traditional hubs, as well as enabling support for the Apple SuperDrive.

Elgato’s latest dock also includes a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port as well as an HDMI port capable of driving up to 4K resolution displays, all from the same box. Thunderbolt 2 Dock is now available from the Elgato website, priced at 9.95.

How big is too big for an iPad? Our Tuesday Morning Report has a followup on yesterday’s iPad Pro news, complete with a video comparing what such a device might look like compared to current iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro models. Steve Jobs is also making headlines again, as is his successor Tim Cook, who popped into Georgetown yesterday to commemorate World AIDS Day. Click to read all the details!

Rumored Larger iPad Sized Up Against Current Apple Devices

Yesterday, we reported on the publication of potential schematics for a so-called “iPad Air Plus” or “iPad Pro,” reportedly a 12.2-inch edition of Apple’s popular tablet that could debut as early as next spring. On Tuesday, MacRumors reported that a YouTube user named Canoopsy actually went to the trouble of not only creating a mockup of just such a device, but also showing how it might look next to current-generation iPads, and even a 13-inch MacBook Pro.

The minute-and-a-half video reveals such a super-sized tablet would easily dwarf existing iPhone 6, iPad Air, and iPad mini models, but nearly matches the screen size of the MacBook Pro. The video also rightfully questions why Apple would even consider a tablet estimated at 12 ins. x 8.7 ins. x 0.28 ins., which is rumored to feature a new A9 processor and dual top and bottom speakers for improved stereo sound.

iPod Class Action Suit Makes Steve Jobs a Star Witness

Tuesday marks the beginning of yet another class action lawsuit against Apple, this time over older iPods capable of only playing music ripped from CDs or purchased on the iTunes Store, which plaintiffs say violated antitrust laws. According to The New York Times, attorneys plan to use emails and a videotaped deposition from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to help make their case.

“We will present evidence that Apple took action to block its competitors and in the process harmed competition and harmed consumers,” explained Bonny Sweeney, the lead attorney for the plaintiff.

The potential damages could wind up costing Apple upwards of 0 million thanks to damning emails from Jobs such as a now-public 2003 missive where the late CEO questioned how the iPod maker could keep content purchased from up-and-coming services like Musicmatch off its coveted music players.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Visits D.C. Store for World AIDS Day

Apple really, really wanted to raise awareness on Monday for World AIDS Day, so Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook hit the streets of Georgetown, Washington, D.C., where he made an appearance yesterday at the company’s retail store there. According to 9to5Mac, Cook was accompanied by (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan, and both of them tweeted photos of the event on their respective Twitter accounts to celebrate.

Dugan noted that Apple has raised million (“and counting”) for the cause thus far, although that number reportedly dates back to June, well before the ongoing (RED) campaign for the holidays. Apple also sent a rare push notification to iOS devices on Monday with a brief message to “get great apps and help (RED) fight AIDS,” which caused some users to complain the iPhone maker was abusing the system to send unwanted, opt-out spam.

Happy Cyber Monday! Your eyes aren’t deceiving you: Apple retail stores are seeing (RED) today in support of World AIDS Day to wrap up a campaign launched last week. Our first Morning Report for the month of December also has details on how the Chromebook is racking up educational sales at the expense of iPad, as well as what we might expect next year from a super-sized version of Apple’s tablet. Kick off the month by clicking ahead!

12.2-inch iPad Air Plus Rumored for Q2 2015 Launch

Much like the iPad mini before it, the rumor mill continues to beat the drum for a so-called “iPad Air Plus” or “iPad Pro,” a super-sized edition of Apple’s popular tablet that is rumored to include a larger 12.2-inch or even 12.9-inch display. According to MacRumors, schematics for just such a device have popped up in the pages of Japanese publication Mac Fan (via Mac Otakara), which compares the rumored tablet against current iPad models and even the iPhone 6 line.

Reportedly featuring an all-new A9 processor with dual top and bottom speakers for “improved stereo audio,” the larger device is said to measure 12 ins. x 8.7 ins. x 0.28 ins., and are expected to launch sometime between April and June of next year. The same report also prognosticates the arrival of an iPad mini 4 sometime in 2015, featuring a thinner design powered by an A8X processor.

Chromebook Shipments to U.S. Schools Narrowly Beat iPad

Financial Times reported Sunday that Google has scored a quiet victory over Apple’s iPad in the U.S. educational market — but the celebration has nothing to do with the search giant’s Android-powered tablets. Instead, it’s the low-cost Chromebooks manufactured by Samsung, HP, Dell, and Acer that are making waves, and with good reason: They sell for as little as 9.

According to newly released data from IDC, Google Chromebooks racked up 715,500 shipments to schools in the United States, narrowly beating out the iPad with 702,000 units sold during the same period. The milestone marks the first time Chromebooks have outsold the popular tablet since stalling out of the gate two years ago, although it should be noted the two devices are not necessarily direct competitors.

Powered by Google’s fledgling Chrome OS, Chromebooks are essentially a souped-up web browser in the guise of an internet-connected laptop. Only higher-end models offer the same sort of touchscreen functionality as the iPad, although a built-in keyboard is considered an attractive part of the Chromebook.

As of mid-2014, Apple has sold more than 13 million iPads to the educational market, and Cupertino touts more than 75,000 apps made specifically for teachers and students. Google still has a long way to go to catch up to the slim tablet, or for that matter, Apple’s MacBook line, which continues to be more popular in many schools and colleges.

Apple Store Logos Go Red for World AIDS Day

AppleInsider reported Sunday that Apple isn’t just seeing (RED) on its website — the iPhone maker is also adorning the logo of its iconic brick-and-mortar retail stores with the same shade of crimson in support of World AIDS Day on Monday. This marks the third year in a row Apple has adopted the color in support of the symbolic event, which commemorates 26 years in 2014. The gesture is part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness and support for the estimated 34 million people currently affected by the disease, as well as the more than 35 million who have fallen victim to the virus thus far.